Sunderland are firmly embroiled in a relegation dog-fight.
Speaking live on Sky Sports’ Premier League Daily at 10:50 am on January 18th, ex-Sunderland defender Wes Brown shared his thoughts on his former club’s current problems, and highlighted three senior players in particular who need to step up and help guide the Black Cats away from trouble.
David Moyes’ men are currently languishing in 19th position in the Premier League table, one point adrift of 17th placed Crystal Palace, and are in the midst of a poor run of form that has seen them win just one of their last seven league outings.
Sunderland manager David Moyes
And Brown, who made 87 appearances for Sunderland during a five year spell on Wearside, explained how now is the time for some of their senior players to start taking more responsibility, both on and off the pitch, telling Sky Sports’ Premier League Daily:
“You need certain players who understand what it means to stay in the league. They’ve still got them there, but again, they are in the same position. Jermain Defoe has been brilliant, but John O’Shea, Lee Cattermole and Seb Larsson, them sort of players will get the lads going, and make them understand what it means to stay in this division. They have to get the new players on board.”
Sunderland manager David Moyes
The Black Cats were dumped out of the FA Cup last night, after suffering a 2-0 loss at Burnley, but that may eventually prove to be a blessing in disguise, with all their efforts and concentration now firmly focused on their Premier League duties.
Next up for Sunderland is a trip to West Brom on Saturday.
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